Pumpkin Cranberry Bread: Delicious Loaves (Makes 2)

Name: Pumpkin Cranberry Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-488109H46M4S
Total time: PT-488109H46M4S
Ingredients: All-purpose flour: 3-3/4 cups; Granulated sugar: 3 cups; Pumpkin pie spice: 4 teaspoons; Baking soda: 2 teaspoons; Salt: 1 teaspoon; Large eggs, room temperature: 4; Solid-pack pumpkin (not pie filling): 1 can (15 ounces); Canola oil: 1/2 cup; Fresh or frozen cranberries, thawed: 2 cups; Chopped walnuts: 1 cup

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Introduction: My Love for Delicious Pumpkin Cranberry Bread

There’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh baking wafting through your home, is there? For me, it’s one of life’s greatest simple pleasures, and sharing those delicious moments is what baking is all about. Today, I’m thrilled to share a recipe for a truly special treat: my delightful pumpkin cranberry bread. It’s a quick bread that perfectly captures warmth and comfort in every slice.

This isn’t just any ordinary loaf; it’s a cozy, flavorful delight, a true star for autumn baking or any time you crave a comforting homemade treat. Imagine a moist, spiced crumb studded with bright, tangy cranberries and crunchy walnuts. This pumpkin cranberry bread is perfect for a brisk morning with coffee, an afternoon snack, or even a simple dessert.

This recipe for pumpkin cranberry bread is more than just a dessert; it’s like a hug in food form. It has a way of gathering everyone around the kitchen, drawn in by its irresistible aromas and delicious taste. Get ready to bake a loaf of amazing pumpkin cranberry bread that will fill your home with warmth and make lasting memories. Let’s get started on this fantastic festive loaf!

Table of Contents

Gather Your Goodies: Ingredients for the Best Pumpkin Cranberry Bread

Alright, chefs, before we dive into the fun part of mixing, let’s make sure we have all our wonderful ingredients ready to go. Think of this as laying the groundwork for your amazing pumpkin cranberry bread. Using quality ingredients is truly the first step to creating a loaf that’s bursting with flavor and moisture.

Measuring everything in advance makes baking easier and more enjoyable. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later when you’re not scrambling for that last teaspoon of spice! Let’s get everything organized for our fantastic pumpkin cranberry bread.

Dry Ingredients

All-purpose flour: 3-3/4 cups. This is the base for our tender crumb.
Granulated sugar: 3 cups. For that perfect sweetness in every bite.
Pumpkin pie spice: 4 teaspoons. This blend brings all those cozy, warm notes we love.
Baking soda: 2 teaspoons. Our leavening agent for a beautifully risen loaf.
Salt: 1 teaspoon. A little salt really makes all the other flavors pop in your pumpkin cranberry bread.

Wet Ingredients

Large eggs, room temperature: 4. Room temperature eggs mix better for a smoother batter.
Solid-pack pumpkin (not pie filling): 1 can (15 ounces). This is key for the rich pumpkin flavor and incredible moisture in our pumpkin cranberry bread.
Canola oil: 1/2 cup. Helps keep the bread wonderfully moist and tender.

Mix-ins

Fresh or frozen cranberries, thawed: 2 cups. These tart gems are the star alongside the pumpkin, providing delightful bursts of flavor.
Chopped walnuts: 1 cup. Adds a lovely crunch and nutty balance to the sweet and tart notes.

With all your goodies gathered, you’re perfectly set to bake the most incredible pumpkin cranberry bread! Having these items prepped means we’re just moments away from a delicious creation.

Baking Bliss: Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Pumpkin Cranberry Bread

Now for the part where the magic truly happens! Following these steps will lead you to a perfectly baked loaf of pumpkin cranberry bread. I’ve broken it down to be super easy, so you can enjoy the journey from mixing bowl to a warm, delicious bread. Let’s create some baking bliss together!

Pumpkin cranberry bread batter with fresh cranberries and walnuts before mixing.

Mixed pumpkin cranberry bread batter in a bowl with a wooden spoon.

Prep Your Kitchen

First things first, let’s get our oven ready. Preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). Then, prepare two 9×5-inch loaf pans. You can either grease and flour them well, or line them with parchment paper for easy removal. This ensures your beautiful pumpkin cranberry bread won’t stick!

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, aromatic pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, and salt. Give it a good whisk until everything is nicely combined and there are no lumps. This step makes sure every bite of your pumpkin cranberry bread is perfectly flavored.

Whisk the Wet Ingredients

Grab a separate medium bowl for your wet ingredients. Crack in the four large, room-temperature eggs and beat them lightly. Next, add the whole can of solid-pack pumpkin and the canola oil. Whisk these together until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. This forms the rich, moist base for your delicious pumpkin cranberry bread.

Combine and Fold

It’s time to bring it all together! Combine the wet pumpkin mixture with the dry ingredients in the bowl. Stir gently, just until everything is moistened. A friendly tip: be careful not to overmix! A few small lumps are totally okay. Overmixing can make your pumpkin cranberry bread tough, and we want it wonderfully tender. If you love quick breads with fruit, you might also enjoy my recipe for Lemon Cranberry Bread!

Add the Stars: Cranberries & Walnuts

Now for the delightful additions! Gently fold in the fresh or thawed cranberries and the chopped walnuts. Check that they’re spread out evenly in the batter. You want every single slice of your amazing pumpkin cranberry bread to have those bursts of tart cranberry flavor and satisfying crunch from the walnuts.

Pour and Bake

Divide the rich batter evenly between your two prepared loaf pans. Place them carefully into your preheated oven. Bake for about 60-70 minutes. You’ll know your pumpkin cranberry bread is ready when a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the very center comes out clean. This indicates it’s cooked through!

The Doneness Test

Keep an eye on the loaves as they bake. If you notice the tops of your pumpkin cranberry bread starting to brown a little too quickly before the inside is fully cooked, don’t worry! Simply tent them loosely with a piece of aluminum foil for the last 15-20 minutes of baking time. This prevents over-browning while the center finishes cooking.

Cool and Slice

Once baked, remove your fragrant pumpkin cranberry bread from the oven. Let it cool in the loaf pans for about 10-15 minutes. This cooling time helps the bread set properly. Then, carefully remove the loaves from the pans and place them on a wire rack to cool completely. Slicing into a fully cooled loaf ensures beautiful, intact slices every time you enjoy this scrumptious quick bread.

Freshly baked pumpkin cranberry bread loaf cooling on a wire rack, golden-brown with visible cranberries.

Chef’s Secrets for Amazing Pumpkin Cranberry Bread

Baking is an art, and every artist has a few tricks up their sleeve! I’m excited to share my go-to secrets that will elevate your homemade pumpkin cranberry bread from good to absolutely amazing. These little tips will guarantee a moist, flavorful, and perfectly textured loaf every single time.

Room Temperature Matters

Even a small step like this can change everything! Always ensure your large eggs are at room temperature before you start. They blend much more smoothly and evenly into the batter, helping to create a tender, uniform texture in your finished pumpkin cranberry bread.

Don’t Overmix

This is a golden rule for quick breads! Once you combine your wet and dry ingredients, stir *just* until everything is moistened. A few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to a tough, dense loaf instead of the light and airy pumpkin cranberry bread we’re aiming for.

The Flour Dusting Trick

Ever wondered why your fruits and nuts sometimes sink to the bottom of your bread? Here’s how to fix it! Lightly toss your fresh cranberries and chopped walnuts in about a tablespoon of all-purpose flour before adding them to the batter. This simple trick helps them stay suspended, so every slice of your pumpkin cranberry bread has an even distribution of goodies.

Keep it Moist

The secret to that incredibly tender and moist texture in this pumpkin cranberry bread lies in two key ingredients: the pumpkin puree and the canola oil. They work together to keep the bread from drying out. Don’t be tempted to reduce these amounts; they’re essential for the best, most luscious results.

Spice It Up Just Right

The pumpkin pie spice brings so much warmth and coziness to this bread. The amount in the recipe is a great starting point, but feel free to adjust it to your own taste. If you love a bolder spice flavor, go ahead and add a little extra. It will make your pumpkin cranberry bread even more aromatic and comforting. For another spiced pumpkin delight, try my Sourdough Pumpkin Bread.

Delicious slice of pumpkin cranberry bread on an orange plate, ready to eat.

Sliced pumpkin cranberry bread with a whole loaf and butter on a wooden board.

Get Creative: Variations and Serving Ideas for Pumpkin Cranberry Bread

Once you’ve mastered the classic pumpkin cranberry bread, it’s time to let your creativity shine! This recipe is wonderfully forgiving and tastes amazing with a few tweaks. Don’t be shy about playing with flavors and textures to make your pumpkin cranberry bread uniquely yours.

Sweet Swaps

Looking to change up the crunch? Instead of walnuts, try toasted pecans for a slightly different nutty flavor. For a touch of extra sweetness, white chocolate chips are a fantastic addition that pairs beautifully with both pumpkin and cranberry, giving your pumpkin cranberry bread a delightful new dimension. You can swap in dark chocolate chips for a richer taste!

Nutty Alternatives

If you have allergies or just prefer to go nut-free, no problem at all! Simply omit the chopped walnuts from the recipe. Your pumpkin cranberry bread will still be incredibly moist and flavorful, letting the pumpkin and cranberry truly shine. It will still be a wonderfully satisfying quick bread.

Glaze It Up

For an extra touch of elegance and sweetness, a simple glaze is just the thing. Whisk together powdered sugar with a splash of orange juice for a citrusy kick, or a little milk for a classic finish. Drizzle it over your cooled pumpkin cranberry bread for a beautiful presentation and added flavor.

Serving Suggestions

A warm slice of homemade pumpkin cranberry bread is pure heaven on its own. But if you want to elevate the experience, try it with a generous smear of softened cream cheese or a dollop of fresh butter. A spoonful of whipped cream can also be a delightful accompaniment. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, an afternoon snack, or even a light dessert.

Make it Mini

This versatile pumpkin cranberry bread recipe is fantastic for individual servings too! Pour the batter into muffin tins for delicious muffins (bake for 20-25 minutes), or into mini loaf pans for adorable small loaves (bake for 30-40 minutes). These mini treats are excellent for gifting or for a charming breakfast spread. Everyone will adore these smaller versions of pumpkin cranberry bread!

Homemade pumpkin cranberry bread, sliced.

Frequently Asked Questions about Pumpkin Cranberry Bread

I know that when you’re baking, questions can pop up! So, I’ve gathered some common things people ask about this delightful pumpkin cranberry bread. Hopefully, these answers will help you feel even more confident in the kitchen and enjoy every bite.

Do pumpkin and cranberry go together?

Absolutely, they’re a match made in heaven! Pumpkin brings a lovely warm, earthy sweetness, especially when paired with those cozy spices. Cranberries, on the other hand, burst with a tart, bright flavor. This creates an amazing balance in your pumpkin cranberry bread, where the tanginess of the cranberries perfectly cuts through the richness of the pumpkin. Each bite is exciting and full of complementary flavors.

Why is my pumpkin bread not moist?

If your homemade pumpkin cranberry bread turned out a bit dry, there are a few common reasons. Overmixing the batter is a big one; it develops too much gluten, which can make any quick bread tough. Also, ensure you’re using the right amount of oil or fat, as these are crucial for moisture. And finally, overbaking can quickly dry out your loaf, so always keep an eye on your baking time and trust that skewer test!

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried in baking?

Yes, you definitely can! In fact, this specific pumpkin cranberry bread recipe calls for fresh or thawed frozen cranberries because they are fantastic. As they bake, they burst and release their juicy, tart flavors, adding a wonderful texture and freshness. If you only have dried cranberries on hand, you can still use them, but I recommend soaking them in hot water for about 10-15 minutes first to plump them up before adding them to your batter. For another delicious bread with berries, check out this Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread recipe. For more on the classic preparation, take a look at this helpful guide on Allrecipes for pumpkin cranberry bread.

Why did my cranberry bread turn green?

Don’t panic if you see a greenish tint around your cranberries! This is a completely harmless chemical reaction. The acid in cranberries can react with baking soda (an alkali) in the batter, causing a color change, especially while the pumpkin cranberry bread is still warm. Your bread is perfectly safe and still absolutely delicious to enjoy, it’s just a little bit of natural kitchen chemistry at play!

A Slice of Memory: My Pumpkin Cranberry Bread Story

For me, baking has always been about more than just whipping up delicious food. It’s about creating moments, weaving magic into everyday life, and bringing people closer. This pumpkin cranberry bread recipe holds a really special place in my heart, thanks to a memory I often revisit.

I remember it like yesterday: a crisp, chilly autumn afternoon. The leaves outside were painting the world in shades of red and gold, and I was in my kitchen, determined to perfect a new quick bread. As the loaves baked, the most incredible aroma began to fill our home – a warm, inviting mix of pumpkin pie spice and tart cranberries. It was utterly irresistible.

Slowly, one by one, my family members started to drift into the kitchen, drawn in by the tempting scent. They hovered expectantly, waiting for that golden-brown loaf to emerge. When I finally pulled the two beautiful loaves of pumpkin cranberry bread from the oven, a collective sigh of happiness filled the air.

That evening, we gathered around the kitchen table. Each of us enjoyed a warm, tender slice of pumpkin cranberry bread, butter melting into its spiced crumb. We shared stories, laughed until our sides hurt, and simply enjoyed being together. It wasn’t just bread; it was a centerpiece for connection, a symbol of warmth and togetherness.

It’s those simple, sweet memories that truly make baking this pumpkin cranberry bread so special to me. It’s a wonderful reminder of how a simple loaf, baked with love, can connect hearts and create lasting moments of joy. Every time I bake this pumpkin cranberry bread, I’m not just making a treat; I’m reliving a cherished feeling of home and happiness. You can find another fantastic version of this classic on Dinner Then Dessert’s pumpkin cranberry bread recipe.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Homemade Pumpkin Cranberry Bread!

There’s truly nothing quite like the feeling of pulling a warm, fragrant loaf of pumpkin cranberry bread from your oven. That golden-brown crust, the cozy scent filling your home – it’s pure baking happiness, isn’t it? I truly hope this recipe inspires you to create your own delicious memories, just like the ones I cherish.

Whether you share this delightful pumpkin cranberry bread with loved ones over a cup of coffee, or you simply savor a quiet slice all to yourself, know that you’ve made something truly special. This loaf is a wonderful testament to the joy and comfort of homemade goodness. Happy baking, my friends, and enjoy every single amazing bite of your fresh, comforting pumpkin cranberry bread!